Russian Government Scholarship
Government of the Russian Federation, via Rossotrudnichestvo
Three routes can fund a place in Russia: the Government Quota, the Open Doors olympiad and each university's own grants. Scholi coaches you through the first two. The Quota offers 30,000 state-funded places a year, with free tuition, a free preparatory year if you request it, a monthly stipend and a subsidised dormitory place.
Last verified 31 Oct 2026. Always confirm details on the official site.
Sub-paths (2)
Each has its own form, dates and reminders. Follow one, or several at once.
Government Quota
30,000 state-funded places a year, chosen on your documents and grades, in your own country first.
Deadline: 15 Jan 2027Start the path- Open Doors Olympiad
A free, fully online olympiad. Win and you get a tuition-free quota place plus grant support, with no embassy step.
ClosedNext opening: 20 Aug 2027 (tentative)
Key dates
Online applications open (education-in-russia.com)
15 Sept 2026 (estimate)
Application deadline (most countries)
15 Jan 2027
Selection results in your country (April to May)
15 May 2027 (estimate)
Classes begin (September to October)
1 Oct 2027 (estimate)
âčïž 15 January 2027, or 15 December 2026 for CIS countries. Your country may set an earlier date, so confirm with the Russian embassy or Russian House, then set it on your path.
Eligibility
- Foreign citizen (or stateless person); citizens of some countries also have separate bilateral quotas
- The previous level of education completed (or completing this year) for the degree you apply to: secondary school for bachelor's, a bachelor's for master's, a master's or specialist degree for PhD
- Selection by the Russian embassy / Rossotrudnichestvo office in your country: a portfolio review, sometimes followed by a test or interview
- A passport valid for your whole stay, and a notarised Russian translation of every foreign document
- An HIV test three times: before you apply, again for your visa once you have the award, and again in Russia after you arrive
Stipend & benefits
Tuition is covered for the whole programme, plus the preparatory year if you request it. Each university sets the monthly stipend, paid regardless of grades: for example RUB 1,700 to 9,000 for bachelor's students at FEFU. A dorm place costs little, for example RUB 2,500 to 3,769 a month at NUST MISIS. Flights, health insurance, visa fees, food and personal costs are on you.
- Free tuition for the full degree
- Free preparatory Russian-language year if needed
- Monthly stipend, paid regardless of grades
- Subsidised university dormitory place
Work policy & extra income
Full-time international students at state-accredited Russian universities may work without a separate work permit at their own university (and its organisations) during studies, and in any job during official holidays. Other jobs during term need a permit. Rules change. Confirm with your university's international office.
Specific ways scholars earn
- Paid assistant or lab jobs inside your own university (no work permit needed)
- Teaching your native language or English at the university's language centre or clubs
- Interpreting and guiding at international university events, olympiads and summer schools
- Full-time work in official holiday periods
Laureates of this scholarship
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